Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding

Exclusive breastfeeding is the norm. Exclusive breastfeeding has its own benefits. 6 months is not a magic number. Babies don't have numbers. But we believe that nature's designs are perfect, so breastfeed as long as possible and start food when the baby demands and they definitely communicate by that 6 months that they want food

People ask doctors why not cow milk, why not give ragi, why not give gripe water, why not give apple juice, Because they have learned not from a single child or example but from an entire generation that tried all these and is now facing a lot of medical illnesses. 

Our elders are definitely saying everything for our well-being. But the fact is they don't have an opportunity like us to learn these things at that time. I am sure, if they were aware of these facts, they never gave cow's milk/purees to any child previously. So please educate yourself before making any judgments. 

Please read the description below the attached reels for a better understanding. 


How to get relief from engorged breasts? A hot water shower and hot water massage can help. If you are still feeling engorged, pump out. You can donate the extra to a milk bank, this will be a great help for the needy one.

What's the reason for engorged breasts?
It is because of the extra milk that our body produced more than our baby needs. Initially, for the first few days/weeks, many moms face this one. After that body will regulate the milk supply according to the baby's needs.

Pain during feeding. How to get rid of this? 
Pain can occur if the latch is not proper. So it's very important to correct the baby's latch from starting. 
If pain is due to cracks/wounds in the nipple, apply coconut oil, butter, and nip care ointment. If nothing works try "lansinoh" cream. It will cure within a week maximum. 
Latch

Do we need to wash our nipples after each feed?
No.
Shall we breastfeed if we have a fever/cold?  
Yes. Infections won't pass through breast milk. But make sure to clean your hands, and also wear a mask. Get help from others. Try to stay away from the baby apart from the feeding time. 
https://www.instagram.com/p/CZy_ytop3K-/

When do we need to switch sides?
Empty one side and switch to the other. Because if you switch sides before emptying one side, the child will get only the foremilk(the initial milk which does not contain fat). So mostly offer a side per feed, If the child demands more, switch the sides
Shall we give water to the baby? 
No, Water will fill up their stomach, which in turn slows down their milk intake(which is more nutritious than water). Also, bm itself contains 80-90% of water. So if anyone advises you to give water, because it's summer season baby will feel thirsty, without any doubt offer bm.
You can start giving water after introducing solids, that is after 6 months.
No. Please wait babies will be ready to accept these after 6 months.
Elders will advise starting these saying our milk is not sufficient. So please don't doubt your supply until the baby is active, weight gain is good and mainly their urine count per day is more than 6.

Is my milk sufficient? 

A BIG YES, If the baby's weight gain is good, the urine count is more than 6 and the baby is active. Stay confident. 

Why do we talk so much about weight? Because the only job of a baby in the first few months is to grow and develop. So as long as that is happening- all is well

https://www.instagram.com/p/CcXGGGzFH5J/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLn7muNlU54/

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Then what might be the reasons for the following questions?

Confusion in calculating urine count. Please check this description https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca_9MwAlVCh/

My breasts are soft even after a long interval between feeding. Is my supply reduced?
No. After some weeks, the body will regulate the milk supply according to the baby's needs. 

The baby is taking frequent feeds. Is my supply reduced?
No. Growth spurt and cluster feeding are normal in babies. Don't worry. It will settle down within a few days.
The baby is crying even after long hours of feeding. Is my milk sufficient?
Milk is not only the reason for a baby to cry. Babies may cry for various reasons. Find out the exact cause.

The baby is taking a longer feed. Is my milk sufficient?
Sometimes babies will suck for their comfort. That is the only way of pacification for them.

The baby feeding time was reduced to 5-10mins. Is my milk sufficient?
After a few months, baby sucking capacity may get increase. So they will take only a few mins feed.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChW8OdmJA56/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Got my periods, will it reduce my milk supply?
No, trust your body and baby, they will manage everything.

Shall I express or pump to check my supply?
No, that is also not accurate. Milk will come instantly when the baby sucks, that's nature's design. Check the below reels description

Baby is sucking hands after feeding. Is my milk sufficient?
Yes. Babies will suck their hands for their comfort.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJwHYeyMvxm/

Sleep Vs Feeding

Sleeping Patterns will differ for each and every baby. Mostly after a month or two, sometimes the baby starts to sleep for a longer stretch. 

Baby is sleeping continuously for 6-7hrs? Should we need to wake up in between feeds?
If the baby gained birth weight, then you don't need to wake up and feed. Feed on demand is recommended. This phase is a blessing, anytime this may change, so please take some rest without worrying.

Baby is waking multiple times in between the night for a feed. Shall we start solids before 6 months? Will it change?
No. Solids and sleep are not associated. My baby slept for 4-5hrs at a stretch for some days during 4 and 5 months. After 6, we started solids, till now she is waking every 2-3hrs in between, sometimes even after every hour.

Food for mother

Anything in moderation is totally fine. Try to avoid packed foods as much as possible as they contain preservatives which are not good for our health too.
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https://www.instagram.com/p/CMjra2Mjp0f/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CKl_srMFcoA/

Water Intake - There is no specific quantity. Lister to your body and drink as much as you need. 
During Postpartum, many advised me to limit my water intake. "If you drink like this, your stomach will remain large". This is totally a myth. Staying hydrated is the most important thing during feeding.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXlyKJupiTY/

Food - Take the same nutritious food as you had during your pregnancy. 

How to increase milk supply?

Supply mostly depends on the removal of milk. The more the baby sucks the more it will produce. Stress will play a major role in decreasing secretion. So happy mother = happy baby.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFr6L2sH5gd/

A few foods may support in increasing milk supply as follow,
1) soaked overnight fenugreek(methi) in water
2) moringa leaves or fenugreek(methi) leaves
3) soaked badam
4) nuts - dates, figs, and apricot 
5) bottle gourd
6) jeera water
7) garlic
8) fish (shark, white Sudumbu, Sheela, Neethili, Vavzhal, Sankara)

















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